The Church of Uganda is fully prepared to host the 48th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum Day in Wii-Gweng, Mucwini, Kitgum District.
This was affirmed by the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala today.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, and the Director of Religious Affairs in the same ministry, Rev. Canon Aaron Mwesigye.
Canon Ongeng noted that this year’s commemoration has attracted a significant number of foot pilgrims from different parts of Uganda who began their journey on Sunday, 9th February 2025, from St. Philip’s Cathedral in Gulu, where they were flagged off by the Rt. Rev.
Godfrey Loum, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.According to Canon Ongeng, on Monday, 10th February, the pilgrims walked upto to Cwero, a distance of 38km, where they spent the night.On Tuesday, 11th February, they proceeded from Cwero to Atanga for an overnight stay. Tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th February, they will continue their journey from Atanga to Acholibur.
On Thursday, 13th February, they will walk from Acholibur to Kitgum Town Parish.
Their journey will culminate on Friday, 14th February, when they walk from Kitgum Town Parish to Wii-Gweng, Mucwini, the final destination.Canon Ongeng also recognized the extraordinary effort of Mzee Musolini, a dedicated pilgrim from Namirembe, who, along with six others, retraced the path where the remains of Archbishop Janani Luwum were moved.
“On Sunday, Mzee Musolini and others arrived at Madi Opei Church of Uganda, which is 28 miles north of Kitgum and 14 miles north of Mucwini.
This is a significant place in the martyr’s journey, as the body of Archbishop Luwum was mistakenly taken there before being returned to Mucwini for burial.” Canon Ongeng said.
According to Canon Ongeng, the Main Celebrant for this year’s event will be the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, while the preacher will be Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda.
He further noted that a 540-member choir, with representation from various dioceses across Northern Uganda, is ready to lead worship during the celebrations.
Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the Church of Uganda in ensuring the success of the commemoration service and its associated activities.
She revealed that plans are underway to develop Mucwini into a modern tourism site to honor Archbishop Luwum’s legacy.
“As part of the build up activities to the Archbishop Janani Luwum Day, several community engagements have been planned, including a football competition among youth at the Archdeaconry level, with the finals taking place on Friday, 14th February in Mucwini.
The winning team will receive a trophy. There will also be an open-air crusade featuring praise and worship performances from various parish groups” Hon Akello said.
According to Hon. Akello, Archbishop Janani Luwum was executed on 16th February 1977, together with the then Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Charles Oboth Ofumbi and the Inspector General of Police Erinayo Oryema who were falsely accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is expected to grace the celebrations as the Chief Guest. This year’s theme is “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9).
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